How does one even begin to gain self-acceptance
In order to avoid a 12 step pitch or a deity stand, I am just using an favorite resting stop of a neutral ground:
"In clinical psychology and positive psychology, self-acceptance is considered the prerequisite for change to occur. It can be achieved by stopping criticizing and solving the defects of one's self, and then accepting them to be existing within one's self. That is, tolerating oneself to be imperfect in some parts." from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-acceptance
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For me, self acceptance began when I gave my inner critic a little rest. I had to stop the negative chatter or tapes and I had to accept that I made/make mistakes. I learn from those mistakes: I try not to repeat them. I found as I learned to be more forgiving to myself, I became more forgiving to others as well.
I began to understand and review the difference between guilt and shame. I carried undue shame
for what was done to me. So, I sorted which baggage that I could dump :spitdummy: and what were life lessons. I learned to be proactive, instead of reactive. Do I still screw up? Yup, lol. So I make, try to make amends and be accountable. This is one of my favorite 12 step sayings, "I am perfectly imperfect." I heard it from another woman during her journey within self acceptance. Pretty cool, huh?;)
Tip: Brene Brown has rockin' videos for shame at Ted Talks:
www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame
Perhaps this is not the optimum way to start, but hopefully along the way, you will find some info to spin it into a personal direction that allows you some connection to self and inner peace. :hug:
